HistoryThe 37th running of the Transpacific Yacht race was actually four races in one. Due to the large disparity of boat speeds within the fleet of 42, it was decided to stagger the start over a four day period to try to equalize the finishing dates. The results were mixed due to mother nature and the Pacific high playing a fickle hand with most entrants. Kenwood Corporation, again, sponsored the event.
The fleet had been opened up to a wide variety of yachts by including PHRF as well as IOR and IMS ratings. Ultimate results IOR 17 (13-70' sleds), PHRF 16 (including 9 sleds) and IMS 9.
The fleet included MORNING GLORY, an Ultra-Hi-Tech Reichel-Pugh 50 designed to IMS; a traditional Cal-40, ANTARA with an all-woman crew; and RAGE, a cold molded Wylie 70 of a radical rake.
The first start on June 30th at Point Fermin had light winds that pointed out the vast differences in yacht design. PATRIOT, an IOR 40' one-tonner, took a fast start with J-35s close on her heels while HMS ORIOLE, a 72 year old Canadian naval vessel of 102' overall, could not start for nearly an hour. Once all entrants were on the course, the Pacific high remained to the far north resulting in rhumb line being the favored course. The faster vessels, led by SILVER BULLET, quickly overtook the slower boats with a good race for first-to-finish with MORNING GLORY, which had a 24 hour head start. Uncharacteristic of previous Transpacs, many vessels found the favored course a close reach under head sail. Even though light conditions prevailed, three vessels experienced breakdowns requiring withdrawal near the California Coast. The thirteen 70' sleds had an excellent race. SILVER BULLET won on first-to-finish at 9 days, 9 hours, 11 minutes, 17 seconds and corrected over ORIENT EXPRESS and VICTORIA. MORNING GLORY had an excellent boat-for-boat race with PERSUASION for IMS A and sweep of corrected times; but ended up finishing 1 hour 35 minutes after SILVER BULLET. RAGE corrected out over MERLIN for PHRF A while ORIOLE came back to first in PHRF C. Bob Lane with a new MEDICINE MAN captured IOR B, and JUMPIN’ JACK FLASH took PHRF B over eight 50 footers, while “Tail-end Charlie” was VENDETTA of Wellington, New Zealand.
An emphasis on professional yachtspersons on major boats was in keeping with present trends, including Chris Dickson (VICTORIA), Dee Smith (MORNING GLORY), John Jourdane and Mark Rudiger (SILVER BULLET). Jeff Madrigali (SILVER BULLET) was the winner of the Don Vaughn Trophy.